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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Fastwitch Fastwitch Review}}The Saucony Fastwitch Fastwitch is a great shoe, similar in many ways to my long time favorite in this class, the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. While the Fastwitch it's often marketed as a 'racing shoe', I prefer to think of it as an optimal shoe, providing everything most runners need without the weight that comes with the over engineering of traditional running shoes. It's a 7oz shoe that I'd happily run the marathon distance in, and if I needed more cushioning than the Fastwitch I'd look to the Maximalist [[Hoka Clifton]]. The Fastwitch has the cushioning of shoes weighing (and costing) far more. It's only major problem is that the shape does not match the human foot, a failing shared by most running shoes. I've rated the Fastwitch as "Highly Recommended" and I've come to love running in it. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has outstanding cushioning for its weight, which is on par with the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. It's slightly heavier than the Hyper Speed, but it's a little bit more equal fore/rear. The cushioning feels smooth and even, feeling like you're running on a cushioned track, which is how it should be. * {{H:drop}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has 4mm of drop when loaded, which is a tad more than I'd like, but it shouldn't cause any biomechanical problems. The main issue with that level of drop on a lightweight shoe is that it puts more of the cushioning in the rear and less in the forefoot, rather than balancing it out.
* {{H:structure}}. The Fastwitch is a nice simple shoe that does not attempt to manipulate your stride. Some web sites claim there's a [[Pronation| Medial Post]], but I never noticed it while running. I checked the Saucony web site and they don't mention a medial post, so I cut open my pair and as expected, there's no medial post (see picture below). There's only a slight rise under the midfoot that shouldn't create undue pressure on your arch. <br/>[[File:Saucony Fastwitch Medial Post.jpg|none|thumb|200px|The dissected Saucony Fastwitch showing no Medial Post (Click for a larger image).]]
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has great flexibility that allows the shoe to move naturally with your foot. This flexibility is rather greater than I might expect given the construction; it seems to come partly from the gaps in the outsole, but mostly from the midsole foam. Unlike many shoes that want to flex in just one place, the Fastwitch flexes more naturally. * {{H:outsole}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has harder wearing rubber outsole under most of the contact area, providing reasonable abrasion resistance. Like most shoes with an outsole, the limit on longevity will be the midsole which will compress with mileage. There are some small gaps in the outsole, but I didn't find any problems with them catching stones. * {{H:shape}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch is not designed to fit a human foot, so I [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]] to prevent my toes getting crushed and so my foot could move naturally. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is inflexible and mostly unpadded, but quite comfortable. The upper is largely seamless, having just a little padding around the rear of the foot and around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is rather more padded than the rest of the shoe.* {{H:lacing}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has flat laces which have tiny bit of elasticity that seems to improve comfort and I've never had them come undone. * {{H:heelcounter}}. The Fastwitch Fastwitch has rather more of a heel counter than I'd like. This adds weight and does not good, but it's also unlikely to cause any issues by rubbing or digging in.
{{FastBlr|saucony/type-a6-597|597|Saucony Fastwitch}}
=How Far Can I Run in the Fastwitch? =
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Saucony Fastwitch Fastwitch and Nike Zoom Streak LT3 ==
The [[Nike Zoom Streak LT]] isn't as well cushioned as the Fastwitch, nor is its cushioning-to-weight-ratio as good. However the Streak is a far better shape than the Fastwitch and it's one of the few shoes I can wear without cutting open the toe box. It also lasts far longer than the Fastwitch and it's quite a bit lighter.
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{{FastBlr|nike/zoom-streak-lt2-1090|1090|Nike Zoom Streak LT}}
==Saucony Fastwitch Fastwitch and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Fastwitch and the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] are really close, with the Hyper Speed providing slightly better cushioning for the weight.
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{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==Saucony Fastwitch Fastwitch and New Balance RC5000v2==The Fastwitch Fastwitch is quite light, but it's nearly twice the weight of the [[New Balance RC5000v2]]. The RC5000v2 provides just enough cushioning to improve [[Running Economy]], so it will be a faster shoe than the Fastwitch. However, I suspect most folks will appreciate the extra cushioning of the Fastwitch.
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